Well..if I am a non- profit organization probably so.
These are buildings owned and maintained by the city of Shreveport.
Many non-profit organizations use all three facilities, especially Riverview Hall and Riverview Theatre WITHOUT paying a rental fee.
So, what about parks owned and maintained by the city of Shreveport?
Like Ford Park, A.B. Palmer Park, Bilberry Park, Airport Park, Bill Cockrell Park, East Kings Highway Park (duck pond), Southern Hills Park, Highland Park and others.
Can i book one of those parks for a concert, charge a fee, and make money when I am NOT a non-profit organization?
Put another way is it ok for me to make big bucks to put in my pocket, not for some charitable purpose, by using a city park WITHOUT paying a rental fee.
Hmmm.
A city park is a public facility like a Municipal Auditorium, Riverview Hall, and Riverview Theatre.
For profit ventures must pay to use these facilities.
So why not to use a public park?
Tomorrow (Tues.) the Shreveport City Council agenda includes the approval of an agreement to allow a for profit entity use Betty Virginia Park FREE, as in no rent, for a three-day CRAWFEST happening or this year, 2024 and 2025.
Focus on that aspect--even is you are not concerned about denying the use of this very popular park to citizens who normally enjoy the park on weekends, or the loud noise from bands after 6 p.m., excessive and largely illegal parking on streets, etc.
But think about it.
How would you feel if you were to go to your favorite city park on a Friday, Sat. or Sunday in one weekend to be outside, have a picnic, throw a frisbee, practice soccer, have a birthday gathering ONLY to find it occupied by a for profit entity that occupies most of the park, charging a fee to enter.
And on top of that, do you think it’s a good idea to let FOR PROFIT ventures book city parks without paying rent? Your tax dollars pay to upkeep that park.